These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy chicken. They’re marinated in a zesty sauce and grilled to perfection, giving you juicy bites with a little kick!
What I love most is how easy they are to make. Just stick the chicken on skewers, grill, and serve with the special sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or snacks with friends! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for juicy bites. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs work well too—they’re usually more tender. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian take!
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo gives creaminess, but you can switch to Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a plant-based mayo for vegan needs. Both options maintain the sauce’s texture.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha. If you have a milder palate, try a sweet chili sauce instead. It won’t be as spicy, but still tasty!
Honey: Honey balances the heat of the sauce. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes if you’re keeping it vegan.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re out, olive oil can be used, but it’ll change the flavor profile a bit. Toasted sesame oil is ideal if you have it!
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy?
To keep your chicken juicy, the key is marinating! This allows the flavors to infuse and helps retain moisture. A minimum of 30 minutes works, but 2 hours makes a big difference.
- Make sure to season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper before adding the sauce.
- Don’t crowd the skewers; leave a little space between pieces so they cook evenly.
- Rotate the skewers occasionally while grilling to ensure all sides get nice grill marks and heat.
Once grilled, let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite. Enjoy your grilled feast!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes of marinating time. Then, it’ll take around 10-15 minutes to cook on the grill. All in all, you should set aside about an hour for making these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix it all together until smooth. This is your Bang Bang sauce! Set aside a portion for serving later.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you can wait – up to 2 hours will give even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Turn on your grill or grill pan and heat it over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, give the grates a light oiling to keep the chicken from sticking.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
While the grill is heating, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to get those nice grill marks and ensure the chicken is cooked through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Brush with Sauce:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining Bang Bang sauce for extra flavor!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers warm, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions if you like. Don’t forget to add the reserved sauce on the side, along with lime wedges for a fresh zesty kick. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier taste or even turkey if you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time as different cuts might require slight adjustments for thorough cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt works great! It provides a similar creaminess but with added protein. If you’re dairy-free, you can use dairy-free mayo or even mashed avocado for a unique flavor twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water in the microwave can help keep them moist.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can! The sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly. This can save time for a quick meal!
